Learn easy DIY painting on canvas techniques with our step-by-step painting tutorial. Make impressive artwork with ease like this follow your dreams canvas sign.
We are excited to show you how to make a beautiful hand-painted wall art painting with just a few inexpensive craft supplies and a little bit of creativity. Continue reading the blog post for tips on this fun art technique and simple painting ideas.
Easy Painting Ideas on Canvas
We are here to show you that you do not have to be a professional artist to create an abstract art canvas painting. The best part is this beautiful wall art is easy enough for even someone with beginner painting skills!
We decided to go with this abstract painting design for a bit of a modern art design, but you can follow these same painting techniques for any home decor style that you like.
This sign is a great choice for a home office or craft room to give you a bit of inspiration and to remind you to always follow your dreams! Wouldn’t this sign also be a great addition to a kids’ playroom or bedroom?
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Now let’s get to these easy acrylic painting ideas so you can make your own DIY canvas! First things first, gather your supplies. You want to choose acrylic paint in a variety of colors for your artwork.
Materials Needed
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- Blank Canvas (we used an 8×8 but you can also use a larger canvas and additionally, the Thrift store is a great place to find inexpensive canvas surfaces).
- Follow your dreams free printable
- Acrylic Paint in different colors – we used craft paint in White, Bahama Blue, Teal Mint, Desert Turquoise, Ultramarine Blue
- Paintbrushes
- Gold sheets
- Mod Podge (Matte finish)
- Glue stick
- Diamond dust
How to Make an Easy DIY Painting on Canvas
I shared the video tutorial for this easy canvas painting on a Facebook live which you can catch here or if you prefer the photo tutorial, continue reading below.
Starting at the top of the canvas, apply a coat of Bahama Blue paint. Add a few streaks of white paint over top. Another easy way to blend the paint is to use a palette knife. This would work great with oil paints or thicker types of paint.
Underneath, apply a coat of Teal Mint paint. Blend it with the Bahama Blue paint. One of the easy things about this technique is there is no wrong or right way to add the paint. The main thing is to have fun with it!
Next, apply a coat of Desert Turquoise and blend.
Lastly, apply a coat of Ultramarine Blue to the bottom of the canvas. For even more dimension, add a bit of black paint at the bottom.
Once your paint has dried, use the glue stick throughout the canvas.
Gently lay a gold sheet over top of the glued areas.
Work in sections until the canvas is covered with the gold sheets and then gently brush off any excess.
Adding a Printed Phrase with Mod Podge
Grab your free “follow your dreams” printable phrase and cut it out. Another option is to use stenciled letters for your phrase.
Glue the phrase onto the canvas with Mod Podge. The best way to do this is to use a narrow brush.
Once dry, add a bit more glue over the phrase and sprinkle with diamond dust. A helpful tip is to place a paper plate or piece of paper under the canvas to collect the diamond dust.
Then you can easily pour it back into your container. For best results, let the canvas art completely dry overnight.
Look at the finished product! It really is such a beautiful and super easy painting project. This canvas wall art is a great way to decorate on a budget.
The great thing about these painting ideas is you can make it your own by using vibrant colors or adding geometric patterns for a modern look. Why not go with a farmhouse style using neutral tones if that is your preference?
A great place to display your new canvas art is in a living room, dining room, bedroom, or craft room. And, it was so much fun to make! Wouldn’t this also make a perfect gift for a college student to hang in a dorm room?
This canvas painting is not only a fun project, but it’s also an easy way to add a pop of color to blank walls on a budget. What ideas do you have for your first acrylic painting canvas? Be sure to share your painting journey with us on Facebook or Instagram– we can’t wait to see it!
More Art Crafts and Canvas Ideas
- Mediterranean Tile Stencil Art
- Canvas Art with a Basketweave Stencil
- Canvas Stencil Art
- Ocean Resin Art
- Scrap Wood Beach-Themed Sign
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Easy DIY Painting on Canvas – Follow Your Dreams
Materials
- Canvas
- Follow your dreams free printable
- Paint in White, Bahama blue, Teal Mint, Desert Turquoise Ultramarine Blue
- Paintbrushes
- Gold sheets
- Mod Podge Matte finish
- Glue stick
- Diamond dust
Instructions
- Starting at the top of the canvas, apply a coat of Bahama Blue paint. Add a few streaks of white paint over top.
- Underneath, apply a coat of Teal Mint paint. Blend it with the Bahama Blue paint.
- Next, apply a coat of Desert Turquoise and blend.
- Lastly, apply a coat of Ultramarine Blue to the bottom of the canvas.
- Once your paint has dried, use the glue stick throughout the canvas.
- Gently lay a gold sheet over top of the glued areas.
- Work in sections until the canvas is covered with the gold sheets and then gently brush off any excess.
- Grab your free “follow your dreams” printable phrase and cut it out.
- Glue the phrase onto the canvas with Mod Podge.
- Once dry, add a bit more glue over the phrase and sprinkle with diamond dust.